Podcast Summary: EmpowerU — QB Cattle’s Spring Born Studs Preview
Podcast: EmpowerU
Hosts: Weston Hendrix & Luke Domingue
Guest: Colton (QB Cattle)
Episode Date: November 5, 2025
Topic: Preview and in-depth discussion of QB Cattle’s Spring Born Steer Lots
Episode Overview
In this energized and detailed episode, Weston and Luke sit down (despite some under-the-weather feelings) with frequent guest Colton to preview the highly anticipated Spring Born Studs Sale at QB Cattle. The conversation dives deep into pedigree insights, unique cattle characteristics, and strategies for show success, offering practical breeder knowledge and a behind-the-scenes look at some of the year’s most elite American steers and bulls available online.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Opening Thoughts & Energy (00:00–01:11)
- Weston admits he’s not feeling 100%, but his excitement for these “phenomenal” steers wins out.
- Luke emphasizes his eagerness to hear about these cattle, even if he isn’t as intimately familiar with all the pedigrees as Weston.
- Colton jokes about Weston’s “job” being sitting and talking, and teases Luke about pedigrees, highlighting the group’s camaraderie.
Quote:
"You don't have to feel good to do this. Come on." – Colton [01:14]
2. Pedigree Deep Dive: “Nelson” and “Keep Swinging” (01:53–04:24)
- Nelson Bull: Corrects misconception — this is only Nelson's second calf crop offered (despite great success and name recognition).
- Keep Swinging Bull:
- Colton praises “Keep Swinging” for size, feet, hair, and character—calling him both a perfect complement to “Nelson” and a high-caliber producer for Fort Worth-type Americans.
- Partnership history & selection reasons discussed.
- Noted for “more grow,” large bone, and exceptional character.
- Both bulls are praised for producing “perfect character” and steers with standout prospects.
Quote:
"He’s made such a name for himself, you think he's a namesake and he's really just getting started." – Colton (re: Nelson) [02:36]
3. Lot-By-Lot Preview: Steers from the Sale
Lot 1: Keep Swinging x 937 Cow (04:24–08:34)
- Born looking “like a bull,” big-features, high potential whether used as a bull or steer.
- Cow acquisition story: bought post-sale after initially being disciplined and not exceeding his budget.
- Remarkable fertility: first flush produced 16 sticking embryos.
- “Smooth polled” — no need for dehorning.
- Suitable for both breeding and steer purposes.
Quote:
"From the time that mama was licking him off, you're like, that just looks like a bull." – Colton [04:39]
Lot 2: First Keep Swinging Calf Born (08:34–09:59)
- First calf born by the bull, exceptional leg size (“panther paws”), combines sire’s and dam’s strengths.
- Good temperament; could be managed by a first-time showman (with capacity for heavyweight classes).
Quote:
“Has the size of his daddy's feet and legs, but uses them like his mama.” – Colton [08:47]
Lot 3: Nelson x Same Cow as Lot 1/2 (09:59–11:28)
- Smooth polled, “cookie cutter pattern,” favorite pick for completeness, especially in feet and legs.
- Suited for Fort Worth as a mature, middleweight; could also peak earlier for fall shows.
Quote:
"You can't draw one's pattern any sharper and neater and more attractive than what his is." – Colton [10:32]
Lot 4: Full Sib to Lot 3 – More Chromed Up (11:28–15:56)
- One of the few with more color (“chromed up”).
- Initially “greener,” now hitting his stride, could mature into a Dallas or Fort Worth winner.
- Not as “bloomey” but structurally impressive — could become “the best one one day” with body mass and right management.
Quote:
"If he keeps putting on mass onto that skeleton, I mean, I think things could get real good whether you wanted to take him to Dallas or Fort Worth." – Colton [15:31]
Lot 5: “The Different One” (16:05–17:39)
- Taller, longer, not as dimensional but particularly smooth and proportioned.
- “Married” to a fall show; best for county or Dallas.
- Least quality hair (“stringy”) but interesting leg hair.
Quote:
"He's got legs that are the size of and work like lot two." – Colton [16:24]
Lot 6: Painted Keep Swinging – Not American Classifiable (17:41–20:34)
- Eye-catching paint color, moderate build, big feet, and exceptional for beginners (docile, gentle, “super easy to feed”).
- Compared to historic “Panda” calf from Kirby family.
- Th carrier, fits well for young and first-time showmen; “very good, basic, fundamental calf.”
Quote:
"If you got a...little kid that's first starting out, maybe it's a girl. Maybe it says Daddy. Lot 6 is cute. Don't back up because this one is super gentle. He's going to be easy to feed." – Colton [19:54]
Lot 7: Here I Am x High-Caliber Dam (20:41–22:55)
- Dam is high-profile, athletic, deep-bodied, and flexible — bred specifically to Here I Am for the first time.
- Pedigree (“Here I Am, Maternal Maid Anchor”) makes for a unique package.
- Needs more belly depth with age; “the sky’s the limit” with the right feeding and management.
Quote:
"There's a lot of quality. There's a lot of hair, there's a lot of muscle, a lot of look." – Colton [21:09]
4. Semen Lots & Final Insights (22:55–26:19)
- Semen offerings from Keep Swinging and the now-deceased Nelson (“Nelson is the king daddy of them all”).
- Semen for Nelson becoming finite (“if you want Nelson units, get it on”).
- Testimony that Nelson is the most consistent and “home run capable” sire Colton has ever used.
Quote:
"Out of all the sires I've ever used, the most consistent and has home run capability." – Colton [24:18]
- Keep Swinging compared to “God Bless America” and “Golden Boy” in terms of features and build, plus reliable structural quality.
Quote:
"There is...he definitely does have features like God bless America, but the way that he puts them all together is actually a little bit more like Golden Boy." – Colton [24:53]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- Weston’s Honesty About His Condition:
“I'm gonna be a little honest here. I'm feeling a little under the weather.” [00:00] - Colton’s Immediate Enthusiasm:
“If you are in the show cattle world and you don't know those pedigrees, then maybe you aren't in the show cattle world.” [01:38] - Behind-the-Scenes on Acquisitions:
“I did not buy her, but...if you want to sell her, I'm going to be a little bit less disciplined...” [06:00] - Humor & Chemistry:
“My report cards never reflected that statement.” – Colton [26:45]
Recommended Listening Segments & Timestamps
- Introduction & Banter – 00:00–01:53
- Bull Overviews ("Keep Swinging" & "Nelson") – 01:53–04:24
- Lots 1–2 Discussion – 04:24–09:59
- Lots 3–5 Insights – 09:59–17:39
- Painted Calf & Beginner Advice (“Lot 6”) – 17:41–20:34
- “Here I Am” Lot & Calf Management – 20:41–22:55
- Semen Lots & Breeding Strategy – 22:55–24:53
- Sales Context & Closing Thoughts – 24:53–26:19
Tone & Style
The conversation blends expertise with humor, teasing, and genuine passion. Colton anchors the technical discussion, offering both detailed pedigree analysis and practical advice — especially for first-time buyers — while Weston and Luke keep the energy flowing and the questions coming.
Conclusion
This episode of EmpowerU is a must-listen for anyone interested in elite show cattle, offering practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, vivid animal descriptions, and a look at why “Nelson” and “Keep Swinging” are bulls to watch. With accessible insights for both novices and industry insiders, Colton, Weston, and Luke wrap the preview with excitement for the sale and appreciation for the depth and quality of this year’s group.
Final Takeaway:
“If you are interested, you're a smart person. These cattle all will be managed the right way if you stick with Colton and get his guidance.” – Weston [26:19]